singlemumma

I've been sanctioned for 3 months. It is horrible. My child is being punished for something she didn't do. One way I can get my own back is once I find my job, I wont be telling those sanction happy advisors at the Work Programme where I'm working. That will deny them around 5,000pounds. I will also tell my future employer not to share any details about me without my written consent. Sanction me...I sanction you :)

Posted on: March 11, 2014 - 12:41am
Sally W
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi singlemumma, sorry to hear you have been sanctioned for 3 months, i take it this is your second sanction? Have you appealed the decision?

You can get help from the Food Bank click to find one local to you.

Has it affected your other benefits?

I'm not sure about you being able to avoid notifying the work programme of employment as you will have to sign of JSA once you find employment and they will want all your work details etc!

Posted on: March 11, 2014 - 8:04am

Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi single mumma, I am sorry to hear that you have been sanctioned for 3 months, that is going to be hard.

Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) (our parent organisation) have evidence of single parents being sanctioned for picking up their children from school and even for looking after their child when they are off school sick. 

If you are on Jobseekers Allowance, have a child 16 years and have been sanctioned or even threatened with a sanction, we would really like to interview you about your experience.

In return for 30 minutes of your time on the phone we can offer you a £20 High Street voucher. Please email your name & telephone number to Laura Dewar - L.dewar@spanuk.org.uk. (We will not share your personal details)

Our overall findings will go to a Government Review and we hope to make Sanctions fair and appropriate.

Will you consider contacting her?

Posted on: March 11, 2014 - 4:47pm

Pam

singlemumma. Stay strong for your childs sake.

Children should not be left without support. This is shocking and cruel. It saddens me that it is happening and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Posted on: March 12, 2014 - 5:15pm

dark-light

Sanctions are scary, I've spoken to many people who say they would go to prison if they are hit with any long term sanction.

I find it terribly frightening that we are creating a society where prison might be an objective instead of a deterrant.

on that same note though most of these people i have spoken to didn't know about hardship allowance.

I havent ever claimed it myself but have heard that hardship allowance is the way to go during the period for your sanction.

make sure you appeal as well,, currently I think over 50% of sanctions appealed against are overruled as unlawfull.

check it out.. you can't just be left to starve.

good luck singlemumma.

Posted on: March 15, 2014 - 4:25pm

SPAN Parliament...
SPAN Parliamentary Officer DoppleMe

Singlemumma,

I was sorry to hear about your experience of being sanctioned.  I am currently doing a project on single parents who have been sanctioned and hope to use the evidence to influence Government.  If you are happy to be interviewed over the telephone I can offer a £20 high street voucher for your time.

Laura

 

Posted on: April 28, 2014 - 9:11am